Heat will not sign Erick Dampier

With four centers already on the roster under guaranteed contracts, the Heat decided Friday to pass on the Erick Dampier experiment.

Dampier, a 14-year veteran free agent, had workouts this week with the Heat and the Houston Rockets after he was released by Charlotte.

Heat president Pat Riley spoke highly Thursday of the type of presence Dampier could add, specifically as a low-post defender and rebounder. But by passing on Dampier, the Heat essentially sent a message that it is comfortable with the front-court players on the roster.